On May 8, International Charter Academy of Georgia (ICA Georgia), a Japanese-English dual language immersion charter school, graduated its second class of fifth-grade students.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the graduation took place virtually via video conference. It featured a musical performance of the song “Carry You” by teacher Tomoko Hannah, followed by a recitation of the class motto, as follows, by graduates Hashi Friend and Haru Kaminomiya:
“World Peace”
We own our responsibility to lead and devote ourselves to peace.
We are a diverse community of accountable, responsible, committed leaders.
We support and respect each other’s differences.
We learn from our mistakes.
We make good choices, and we apologize when we hurt someone.
We keep our promises.
We show up and we try.
Consul General of Japan in Atlanta Kazuyuki Takeuchi gave remarks in Japanese and English in which he encouraged students to always remember the experiences they had in elementary school. He reminded the students to be kind to their neighbors, and to those who are facing difficulties.
School Founder and Governing Board Chair Minako Oki Ahearn asked the students to think about what they want to see 100 years from now. She quoted from Hyaku-nen-go no furusato o mamoru (Protect your hometown 100 years from now), a true story from the 1800s in which a man in Japan saved many lives from a large earthquake and tsunami and then led his community to plan against future tsunamis. She asked the students to return to ICA Georgia in 20 or 30 years and talk about their past experiences.
Principal Tara Ranzy spoke about the multi-linguistic, multicultural community that is ICA Georgia. She encouraged the student to “be present” and shared the idea of “ichi-go ichi-e,” a Japanese concept that means treasuring the unrepeatable nature of a moment.
The virtual graduation concluded with a video of pictures taken throughout the school year and then a slide show of all the diplomas.
ICA Georgia has been holding classes virtually since March 16. Students have been logging in to online classes given in real time every morning. The school quickly overcame the huge challenge of transitioning the entire student body to online learning in just days. In fact, fourth grade teacher Felecia Tucker-Jones was recently presented with the Shining Star Award from the State Charter Schools Foundation of Georgia for her support of fellow teachers who struggled with new technology during the shelter at home order and for helping the school host events like the graduation online.
Furthermore, ICA Georgia was recently awarded a State Charter Schools Foundation of Georgia grant to provide remote tutoring for students in Japanese during the summer break. ICA Georgia teachers will meet with students for a minimum of two hours per week. Remote tutoring will help close the learning gap for at-risk new English and Japanese language learners, SST/RTI referrals and special education students.
Sequel Coffee Co., a new specialty coffee brand, is set to open its flagship location in Peachtree Corners in the summer of 2025.
The new coffee shop will open alongside shared workspace provider, Roam, at Town Center and will feature a convenient drive-thru complemented by an inviting in-shop experience.
Premium coffee and locally sourced offerings
Committed to delivering an elevated coffee experience, Sequel Coffee Co. will serve freshly brewed coffee and handcrafted espresso beverages with responsibly sourced beans from Valor, a local metro Atlanta roaster.
Interior rendering courtesy of Sequel Coffee Co.
The food menu will feature a curated selection of locally sourced café favorites and convenient grab-and-go options from local vendors Two Chefs and A Seasonal Affair.
Guests can expect a variety of delicious offerings, including breakfast sandwiches, quiche and freshly baked pastries, as well as yogurt parfaits, homemade granola bars and protein-packed power bites for on-the-go fuel.
In addition, rotating seasonal flavors and limited-time menu items will offer new and exciting food and beverage options throughout the year.
Strengthening community connections in Peachtree Corners
A concept created by Roam, the hospitality-focused work and meeting space, Sequel Coffee Co. is built on the belief that coffee is more than just a morning ritual — it’s a catalyst for creativity, productivity, community and connection.
Image courtesy of Sequel Coffee Co.
Sequel’s tagline, “start your story strong,” reflects its mission to inspire the potential in every day by championing stories, embracing moments and thoughtfully crafting coffee.
Sequel seeks to become an integral part of the Peachtree Corners community by fostering meaningful interactions through hospitality-driven experiences. With a brand philosophy centered on people, purpose and belonging, the company aims to inspire customers through delicious coffee and intentional service.
Bringing Sequel Coffee Co. to you
Ahead of its brick-and-mortar opening this summer, Sequel Coffee Co. is currently serving the community through its mobile coffee cart, offering a full-service espresso bar and trained baristas for offsite events.
Ideal for corporate offices, networking events, school functions and private gatherings, the mobile cart provides an opportunity to enjoy Sequel’s signature coffee experience in any setting — before the shop even opens its doors.
Sequel is also currently hiring a Shop Manager to lead daily operations and cultivate an inviting experience for customers. Interested applicants can learn more about the position and apply at sequelcoffeeco.com/shop-manager-job-listing.
About Sequel Coffee Co.
Sequel Coffee Co. is dedicated to inspiring potential in every day through thoughtfully crafted coffee and warm hospitality.
Offering handcrafted espresso beverages, freshly brewed coffee and a curated menu of café favorites — along with a convenient drive-thru and cozy café space — Sequel aims to create a welcoming spot for guests to fuel their day and transform the daily coffee routine.
Roam is a comprehensive workplace solution offering co-working memberships, private offices and meeting space for professionals and businesses of sizes.
Opening in Peachtree Corners at 3847 Medlock Bridge Road in summer 2025, Roam provides flexible and inspiring environments to help individuals and teams accomplish their best work. Now leasing private offices and pre-booking meetings and events.
Savannah State University’s inaugural 40 Under 40 listrecognizes the achievements of young alumni
Cassidy Bass Jones, owner of LOL Burger Bar, was recently recognized as one of Savannah State University’s (SSU) inaugural 40 Under 40 award recipients.
The award recognizes the contributions of individuals who have excelled in their respective fields before the age of 40. This year’s recipients work in a wide array of environments from municipalities and universities to federal agencies and Fortune 500 companies.
The list includes company founders, executives, state representatives, doctors and lawyers.
“We’re overjoyed to share with the world what these young alumni have accomplished in just a few short years since graduating from this beloved institution,” said SSU Interim President Cynthia Alexander. “These alumni are the best and brightest and truly reflect the values we hope to instill in all SSU graduates.”
By highlighting the achievements of these alumni, SSU aims to inspire its current and future students to aspire to greatness and to emphasize the university’s role in shaping future leaders across various fields.
Each of this year’s honorees attended SSU and seeks to uphold their core values of collaboration, academic excellence, discovery and innovation, integrity, openness and inclusion and sustainability.
“As we honor these remarkable alumni, we celebrate not only their achievements but also reaffirm the value of an SSU education,” Alexander continued.
About Cassidy Jones and LOL Burger Bar
Originally from Newnan, Georgia, Cassidy Jones opened her first burger bar location in West Midtown in early 2023 and quickly gained public recognition and accolades. In 2024, LOL Burger Bar’s Patty Melt was named a Top 10 burger in Creative Loafing’s Burger Week competition.
Jones recently opened a second LOL location at the new Politan Row food hall at The Forum where her team is serving up signature burgers, fries, wings and shakes to the Peachtree Corners community.
For more information about LOL Burger Bar, visit lolburgerbar.com.
The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) continues their philanthropic work with an annual scholarship opportunity for local high school seniors who demonstrate community spirit and initiative and meet the requirements. The scholarship program was established to raise awareness among high school students of the need to give back to the local community and their school.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2024-2025 Student Scholarship Program. The PCBA will award one $1,000 scholarship to a deserving graduating high school senior.
Students are invited to apply now by completing the scholarship application. The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. on March 31, 2025.
Qualifications include: Must be a graduating senior & meet at least one of the following to qualify: – Resident of Peachtree Corners – Senior at Norcross HS, Wesleyan HS, Paul Duke HS, or Duluth HS – Child of PCBA member
Applications must include the application form, a copy of the student’s sealed or official transcript showing cumulative GPA and an essay of 500 words or less describing why you are the best candidate for the scholarship, including three (3) things you’ve learned that you believe will help you in the future.
A separate page listing any of the following the student has been associated with, along with a brief description of your involvement is also required:
School organization affiliation
Sports affiliation and extra-curricular activities
Areas of community involvement
Personal time donated to charitable/humanitarian causes
Activities completed or participated in to support the community, healthcare workers, first responders and others.
“The PCBA is proud to continue this scholarship opportunity, which recognizes local students who have positively impacted the community,” says Donna Linden, PCBA board member. “In previous years, we were impressed at the dedication to community service we saw from applicants. We look forward to honoring the deserving student who receives this scholarship.”
Funds for the scholarships are raised throughout the year from PCBA membership, sponsorship and the organization’s annual charity event.